I have had this pattern for years it seems & have kept on bringing it out & almost deciding to make it. I even got so far as to cut out the tissue pieces, but never quite committed scissors to cloth. That is despite seeing all of Zoe’s renditions in wonderful stash & vintage fabrics. At the Goldhawk Road Fandango I even remember asking her advice about it, length & fit etc but it took another year or so before just getting on with it.
The fabric in question: teal linen, a mere metre, not enough for a Ginger, but enough to make the longer view of this skirt. That I’m afraid was my decision maker as I did buy envisioning another Ginger (until the roll ran out at 1m!) I think I may also have been wary that the yoke would require fitting & not be straight forward. How wrong I was. I took the precaution of tissue fitting it with no real issues – & when it was made up it was just fine. (Although I could probably lose an inch around the yoke if I am honest & it would look a bit more snug & shapely on the waist). This skirt’s top sits just on my belly button, it is reasonably low slung, & very comfortable!
I used some left over polka dot from my recent New Look 6000 for pocket linings – if ever these two fabrics deserved to be together it is like this. Shame I don’t have enough left to make a top…..
So I used an invisible zip purely because that was the closest that I had in colour. Man I am so grateful for my invisible zip foot, I appear to be getting better at putting invisizips in with fewer glaring errors & fewer unpickings (none this time woo hoo!)
I decided to line it also (with the last of my pricey but most satisfying-in-the-number-of-garments-it-is-now-the-lining-of-lawn)
& worked out the steps in my head:
- Make skirt but don’t sew up the back seam
- Make up yoke & attach to skirt
- Insert zip
- Sew back seam
- Make pleats/ tucks in lining at waist
- Sew lining but only at side seams
- Attach each side of lining to zip seam allowance
- Sew lining back seam
- Attach lining to the skirt/ yoke seam allowance
- Attach Yoke facing to zip seam allowance & then sew to yoke top
- Attach yoke facing (turned to inside) to lining either by hand or stitching in the ditch from the right side.
- Set lining hem & add lace (I used my overlocker so that the raw edge was finished at the same time, then edge-stitched the hem’s seam allowance to the skirt). The lace is disappointing in its cheapness, but it was all I had to go the distance & better than nothing…
You may see flaws in this progression, but if it helps anyone with their thinking, it worked for me ….loving it with that Kimono sleeve tee
I LOVE having pockets in a skirt, I know, when did I wake up? But even for a skirt for work, especially helpful for stashing small things I might forget to add to my handbag (headache tabs, a bit of money) super useful & saves my brain in the morning, which let’s face it needs all the help it can get.
I love this pattern but am not sure if it is the most flattering shape on me. I feel sure I will try again with a smaller waist & make it out of something with a bit more groove next time now I know how the style handles. I do have something in mind – some furnishing fabric – very a la Zoe – if I have enough ….
Oh my god it’s beautiful, lovely colour, lovely lining, lovely pockets, lovely zip. And look at you!!!! You’re so brown and goy-jus in it. It’s a perfect match with the kimono sleeve top too. Good work my friend. x
Suuuper cute Winnie! That lining is oh-so pretty, as are the pockets. I love those little special sewing treats only the wearer can see/or knows about.
He he, you are so right about the inside secrets – it’s good that they are cute secrets as opposed to mistakes !!
Way cute! I LOVE the pockets, and the little pleats, and the color, and the fabric, and the zipper is flawless, and I really need an invisible zipper foot.
aww, thanks Rochelle. I found the invisizip foot took away any fear I had of these much feared zips ….def worth the money (even though wasnt too expensive )
That skirt looks awesome on you and the colour is brilliant for summer. I think the style suits you really well and I look forward to seeing your next version.
thanks Lene – v kind of you x
Sheesh, I think you’ve gone and made the perfect skirt! I’m with you– I have this pattern (have for a while), and every time I see a version of it pop up, I really want one, but I can’t seem to make myself focus and do it! It’s well worth it, though– this is way cute!
Go make it Ginger – it’s a quick one esp if not lined! It would look cute on you too ….
I like it — its not stunning at 40 paces like the polka dot dress, but its flattering, a great color and a good solid basic. Also, fabulous with the kimono top
Agree with you Allison – not everything can be an eye catcher afterall!! It should be a good useful basic in a great colour
Great color! I keep seeing this pattern and liking it, but I feel it wouldn’t work for me. I guesssss because it sits lower than the natural waist, godforbid. Super cute on you though!!
I love everything about it! The shape, the colour, the pockets, the gorgeous polkadot pocket lining, its all amazing! Sorry to be gushing so much!!
I have a pattern for a very similar skirt, I’m going to have to rush and find some fabric for it now. Oh… and I love your shoes too!
Lovely skirt – the colour is gorgeous and what a divine match with the polka dots! I have seen several versions of this skirt now and I must admit I am tempted…it seems like the perfect work skirt! I love your kimono sleeved T as well, the two are made to be worn together!!
I love everything about it! The colour, the shape, the pockets, the gorgeous polkadot pocket lining, everything! Sorry to gush so much!!!
I have a pattern for a very similar skirt, I’m going to have to rush out and find some fabric for it now. Oh, I also love your shoes!
Ooops, sorry! I got so overexcited I commented twice! My first comment didn’t show so I tried again.
It does feel like a msissing piece in my summer wardrobe – i recommend having a plain easy to wear but snappy coloured skirt
Hope you find what you are looking for
Your skirt is so Summery. The shape looks good on you and the colour pops. I love your nicely lace trimmed lining and polka dot inner pockets, so custom made and pretty.
thank you,it does feel very summery
I think that style really suits you, and the colour is fab! I love the spotty pocket lining, what a shame there wasn’t enough for a top. And it looks great with the kimono top.
yes, it is a pity i didnt buy more to have a dress & a cute top out of polka dots, but never mind! Thank you
This is the perfect skirt!! I just love the shaping with the yoke and gathers. And the polka dot fabric is perfect for the pocket surprise!! Teal is probably one of my favourite colours at the moment–and it looks perfect in this skirt! Fabby job!
Thanks Debi, teal is lush isn’t it – it’s fresh & goes with lots….
Ah I love this pattern. I’ve only made one version so far but I definitely see more in the pipeline eventually. It’s such a comfortable style to wear. Plus I think the style really suits you. Loving the colour combo with the polkapockets!
Yippee for this skirt, it’s great & I too see more. Thank you Helen
It’s gorgeous – loving the teal linen, pockets and the fact that it only needs one metre of fabric to make! It looks fab on you and goes so well with the tee shirt. xx
Thanks debbie – i always think of you when using special scraps for pockets!!
wow, it looks as good inside as out!
thanks Charlotte, that’s what’s so great about linings – hide a multitude of sins!!
Fab! Exactly the sort of practical everyday garment that sits on my to-make list un-made for months on end – but look at it! You are going to get so much wear out of this!
And the lawn lining doesn’t stick to tights? The lining issue has put the brakes on my skirt-sewing as I don’t want sticky polyester in the summer, but I do have to wear tights to work and cotton sticks…?
I know what you mean having sufferd many a cotton-lining-tights-friction-unseemly-bunching going on, but this doesnt, maybe because the skirt is reasonably loose hanging? Could it be the lawn? I have had to wear with tights but survived….combo of the both factors? Oh and this testing was performed over the 2 mile wak to work, so it was thorough …..
Your best skirt so far. The style and color are very flattering. I made a denim version of this pattern and wear it all the time.
Now denim would be a genius make in this style, thanks for the idea!
Wow! love this skirt! the colour, the shape, the pockets, I want it!
It’s a pretty simple pattern ….you could give it a go? Unlined would b a quick make
Beautiful skirt in a lovely colour! Your’s is much neater inside than mine(memo to self- must make another one), love the lace edged lining why don’t I think of that?
Linings are a great cover up!!!
I love this – it’s a great shape on you! and the colour is epsecially gorgeous! now we just need some good weather for you to wear the linin. must look out for this pattern as I have a metre of fabric that I thought was too little for a skirt, but would work with this one!
Please sun come out! I’d hate to have to wear this with tights
Oooh, I really like this skirt. The colour is nice and summery and I do think the shape is flattering on you. You can dress it up or down – a great basic, in my opinion.
Exactly! The shape is very flattering on you — you are just distracted by the loose feel of the waist yoke. Next time, hoick it in an inch or so up top, so that it holds you more snugly, and you’ll be happy. Making it up in a decorating fabric means no interfacing needed (well, if you choose a stiff enough fabric) and possibly no lining, either. You can serge the seams, or use a Hong Kong binding.
Ooo never done HK binding, may have to try that out & woo hoo if I ca go without interfacing!
Agreed! It feels casual to wear which is a good thing too
perfect! in every way. And it really suits you! I love the extra touches with the lining (thanks for running through the process – really helpful). And I don’t think I commented on your post about the kimono tee, so I’ll say now that it’s GORGEOUS and don’t you have incredible taste?!
Aw, Shivani, lovely thing to say, thank you . I hope the lining wods make sense & actually work for someone else! At least I can revisit next time also – brain like a seive sometimes11
It looks GREAT with your kimono tee. I really want to make one of those. And the insides of your skirt are so pretty, too.
I love it Winnie, I think it’s totally flattering, despite your concerns. The colour is so cool and crisp and the outfit as a whole is wonderful. You really do have excellent taste and a rockin’ figure to match!!!
Aww, shucks, thanks Marie
Very pretty! I just love that colour and the shape of the skirt is lovely, a very versatile little number I think.
p.s I love your clogs, where are they from?
Thanks Kerry
I think itll be nice in allsorts of fabrics…
The clogs are Clarks -not real wood!! But v comfy
Gosh, you can’t beat old Clarks eh? I’m also a big fan.
I loved your skirt so much I’ve broken my self imposed pattern buying ban
Hoorah! Although why I should be pleased to be the author of your downfall I dont know. Maybe it should be more of a humble apology ….
I think you look absolutely wonderful in that skirt! And so tan and fit. I really like it with your lacy kimono t as well.
Christine you are kind, thank you. This tee is becoming a real winner – it’s constantly in the wash. What a useful make
Your skirt is beautiful and goes well with the kimono top, glad you’ve come over to the skirt with pockets brigade!
I look forward to your next rendition of this skirt.
Yes -pockets!!!! Have they become an essential to me yet? Quite possibly something I will consider more……;-)
It’s a perfect project and I love how it looks with the kimono top. I have been thinking that 4 Gingers is enough, maybe this will be the next skirt.
The great thing about this skirt is that it does feel different from other skirt patterns, with its pleats & pockets. It would be more than a basic self draft I feel. Therefore completely justifiable in adding to your collection of patterns.
So cute and I love the polka dot pockets.
Skirt envy. Big time!
Wow, that is GORGEOUS on you! Beautiful job, and perfect zipper too!!
Thanks Amanda – & in truth I’ve worn it quite a bit so that shows its success ……
This looks gorgeous, I love that colour!
Skirts don’t look good on me or I’d be tempted to try this…
I love everything about this outfit. So stylish but wearable – really flattering I think.
1 metre of fabric is impressive – I have some red linen left over, you’ve got me thinking.
I was wracking my brains, I’m sure it would squeeze out of a metre of 115cm wide, esp if you used other fabric for pocket linings, even waist facing…..but I wouldn’t want to mislead you
Winnie, this is STUNNING!!!!!!!!!! It looks really flattering, the colour is stunning, the cute pocketed lining is a cheeky treat and HOW perfect is your zip insertion?! Thanks so much for the linky-dinks too!
Love and hugs
Zoe xxx
And thank you Zoe for your inspiration – you just make them looks too good! – there is a point at which I seriously weakened – your floral version I think
This looks fantastic! and i love it with your kimono top!
Great, Winnie, just great. I love the lining for the pockets & the lining in general. What a pretty color. I love linen, too and don’t care if it gets wrinkly. It’s been in the 100sF here & believe me, my cotton & linen dresses w/ silk slips are keeping me as happy as possible.
Thank you – it is a good summer weight but ooops creases like you’d expect. The same with my other linen skirts so I shouldnt be surprised. It’s nowhere near 100 here, but seems to fare well even with tights (yes, it’s desperate wearing tights in the height of summer isn’t it?!)
This is such a great pattern. I am making a note to myself to purchase it. I love the colour of your linen skirt so lovely for Summer. It really looks like you’ve achieved a great fit.
What a lovely skirt! I have admired Zoe’s versions already, too. Love how well matched the yoke looks at the zipper and the lovely lining.
Coo, thanks Alessa